The mandrill is a large, colorful baboon that lives in the dense forests of western Africa.

This odd-looking monkey has a long, doglike face, big teeth, and a short, stumpy tail.  Its long nose is red with orange whiskers, its cheeks are blue, and its sitting

Mandrill

pads are colored red and blue.

A full –grown mandrill is about the size of a large dog.

Mandrills travel in bands called “troops.”

Unlike most monkeys, they are poor climbers and have learned to live on the ground.

The males stand guard and watch out for danger.  They are fierce fighters.  If a leopard tries to attack a member of the troop, all the male mandrills will attack the leopard together.

Mandrills are fast runners.  When they run they move in a sideways gallop.

They feed on plants, and small animals.  Wherever they get a chance, they will also steal farm crops and fruit from orchards.  – Dick Rogers